Five Awesome Things You Never Knew about Elder Scott

Did you know that Elder Scott was a band kid? Or that he spent a summer on an oyster boat? Check out these other facts about Elder Scott!

1. He was a nuclear engineer.

He even contributed to the design of the nuclear reactor for the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear-powered submarine!

2. He was a talented artist.

When he was in his 40s, Elder Scott became fascinated with watercolor painting and decided to try it out. He got some books from the library, bought paints and brushes, and got to work. Later he signed up for lessons. Over time, his watercolor skills greatly improved. Deseret Book even featured 15 of his paintings in their downtown Salt Lake City store.

3. He translated his own conference talks.

Elder Scott was fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, which, he said, allowed him to speak to 86 percent of all active members in their own tongue. Before each general conference, he would prerecord his sermon in Spanish and Portuguese so that the speakers of those languages could hear his message in their language—and in his voice!

4. He led his high school’s marching band.

Elder Scott played the clarinet and then became the drum major of the marching band. That means he was the conductor of the whole marching band. Elder Scott later played the saxophone and clarinet in a jazz band.

5. He worked on an oyster boat.

To earn money for college, 17-year-old “Scotty” joined a crew of fishermen on an oyster boat off the coast of New York. The other men often ridiculed him for not drinking—that is, until a man fell overboard and Scotty was the only one sober enough to jump in and save him!

Six Times You Knew Elder Scott Was Talking to You

Elder Scott always taught with such gentleness and love. It was like all his words were just for you. Here are six times we felt like Elder Scott was talking right to us.